At official handover in Abuja, new JAMB Registrar promises tougher action against examination fraud, admission racketeering and cybercrime while unveiling reforms to improve transparency, technology and service delivery.
By Angela Udende
ABUJA, Nigeria — August 1, 2026
The newly appointed Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Segun Aina, has declared that safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s tertiary admissions process will be the defining priority of his administration, pledging an uncompromising crackdown on examination malpractice, admission fraud and cybercrime.
Speaking during his official handover ceremony at JAMB’s National Headquarters in Bwari, Abuja, on Friday, Aina outlined an ambitious reform agenda aimed at strengthening public confidence in one of Nigeria’s most critical educational institutions.
His assumption of office comes at a time when concerns over examination malpractice, identity fraud, cyber-enabled cheating and illegal admission syndicates continue to challenge the credibility of the country’s education system.
The new registrar says restoring and protecting trust—not merely introducing technology—will determine the success of his leadership.
Integrity Will Be the Foundation of My Administration
Addressing management staff, education stakeholders and invited guests during the handover ceremony, Aina described integrity as the cornerstone upon which every achievement of the examination body must rest.
He warned that technological innovation and operational efficiency become meaningless if the public loses confidence in the institution administering university admissions.
“Trust is not built by speeches; it is built by decisions, by the choices we make when no one is watching, by the standards we refuse to compromise and by the value that every Nigerian can place in the fairness of this institution.”
According to him, protecting JAMB’s credibility would remain his foremost responsibility throughout his tenure.
“The first commitment of my stewardship is simple: we shall protect the integrity of JAMB with everything the law permits.”
He added:
“Without integrity, technology becomes a tool for manipulation; without integrity, efficiency loses its meaning; without integrity, public confidence disappears.”
Hardline Position Against Examination Fraud
The new registrar announced a tougher enforcement strategy against examination malpractice and admission-related crimes.
He warned that individuals involved in organised cheating, impersonation, certificate forgery, cyber fraud and admission racketeering would face intensified investigations and prosecution.
According to Aina, JAMB will deploy:
- Advanced technology.
- Intelligence gathering.
- Stronger internal oversight.
- Improved collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
- Modern digital monitoring systems.
The Board, he said, will leave no room for criminal networks attempting to manipulate Nigeria’s tertiary admission process.
Education experts estimate that examination malpractice continues to cost Nigeria billions of naira annually through compromised educational standards and declining public confidence.
Admission Fraud Denies Honest Students Opportunities
Aina argued that every fraudulent admission secured through malpractice deprives a deserving student of a legitimate opportunity to pursue higher education.
According to him, protecting examination integrity is ultimately about protecting merit, fairness and equal opportunity.
“Every admission obtained through dishonest means deprives a qualified candidate of a legitimate opportunity.”
He maintained that preserving the credibility of public examinations remains essential for national development, economic competitiveness and public trust in educational qualifications.
Technology to Improve Candidate Experience
Beyond enforcement, Aina unveiled plans to modernise JAMB’s service delivery by simplifying administrative processes and expanding the use of technology.
He pledged reforms aimed at reducing the stress associated with:
- UTME registration.
- Admission processing.
- Candidate enquiries.
- Result management.
- Communication with institutions.
According to him, the Board will strengthen digital platforms while improving responsiveness to candidates, parents and tertiary institutions.
His administration also intends to improve communication channels to ensure that applicants receive timely and accurate information.
“Candidates and parents should experience confidence rather than frustration whenever they interact with the Board.”
Building a Citizen-Centred Institution
The new registrar said his vision extends beyond examination administration.
He hopes to build an institution that is:
- Transparent.
- Accessible.
- Efficient.
- Technology-driven.
- Responsive.
- Citizen-focused.
He noted that JAMB occupies a strategic position in shaping Nigeria’s future because millions of young Nigerians depend on the Board for access to higher education every year.
According to him, improving public service delivery will remain central to achieving that objective.
Commitment to Educational Reforms
Aina expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing him to lead the examination body.
He also acknowledged the support of the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, pledging close collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education to deepen reforms across Nigeria’s education sector.
Education policy analysts say stronger coordination between JAMB and the Ministry could enhance admission policies, improve digital infrastructure and strengthen examination standards nationwide.
Pays Tribute to Oloyede and Former Registrars
During the ceremony, Aina praised former leaders of the Board for laying the institutional foundations upon which JAMB has continued to evolve.
He acknowledged the contributions of:
- Michael Saidu Angulu.
- Mohammed Abubakar.
- Bello Salim.
- Professor Dibu Ojerinde.
- Professor Is-haq Oloyede.
He reserved particular commendation for his immediate predecessor, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, whose tenure has been widely credited with strengthening transparency, increasing internally generated revenue and introducing technological reforms that significantly reduced examination malpractice.
According to Aina, the smooth leadership transition demonstrates institutional maturity and continuity.
A Personal Journey Comes Full Circle
In an emotional reflection, the new registrar recalled that nearly two decades ago he served at JAMB as a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member.
Returning to lead the same institution, he said, represents one of the defining moments of his professional career.
He described the appointment as both humbling and inspiring, promising to consolidate existing reforms while preparing JAMB for emerging technological and educational challenges.
Challenges Await the New Registrar
While stakeholders have welcomed Aina’s reform agenda, education experts note that several longstanding challenges remain.
Among them are:
- Sophisticated cyber-enabled examination malpractice.
- Identity theft and impersonation.
- Admission racketeering.
- Fake admission letters.
- Digital security threats.
- Pressure on university admission quotas.
- Growing candidate population.
- Public complaints over examination logistics.
Analysts believe addressing these issues will require continuous investment in cybersecurity, staff training, inter-agency collaboration and public awareness.
Experts Welcome Integrity-First Agenda
Education policy specialists have described Aina’s emphasis on institutional integrity as timely.
According to analysts, public confidence in examination bodies directly affects employers, universities and professional institutions that rely on examination results to assess academic competence.
They argue that strengthening transparency, embracing technology and enforcing accountability will remain critical as Nigeria’s higher education sector expands.
Experts also stress that combating examination malpractice should involve parents, schools, candidates, security agencies and policymakers rather than relying solely on JAMB.
Professor Segun Aina begins his tenure at JAMB with a clear message: integrity will take precedence over convenience, technology will support transparency, and merit will remain central to Nigeria’s university admissions process.
Whether his administration succeeds will depend not only on tougher enforcement against examination fraud but also on its ability to modernise services, strengthen public trust and adapt to an increasingly digital educational environment.
As millions of Nigerian students prepare for future admissions, the direction of JAMB under its new leadership is likely to play a significant role in shaping the credibility, fairness and competitiveness of the country’s higher education system.
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